What Can I Do?

What Can I Do?

Environmental issues span across cities, states, countries, and all over the world. It can be overwhelming when you start thinking about issues that are personal to you, while at the same time having to consider things like global warming. It is important to note that this website serves a resource for you to gain more knowledge on two specific cities, Dallas and Houston and serve as a starting place.

Whether this information is old news or completely new to you, an important question to ask yourself is “What’s next?” Here are some helpful tips about what to do with your newfound knowledge:

1. Check out our resources page!

With so many different organizations and advocacy groups that are present within the state of Texas, it is easy to get confused or wonder whether or not you agree with everything they are saying. Our resources page provides a handful of the most prominent groups as well as a look into what they do. For more information on any of these, you can click the provided hyperlink and learn more about them!

2. Form your own opinion! 

Many of these organizations linked in Resources have question forums, contact options, and ways to get involved simply to learn more or become an active member via participation online, donation, or meetings. There are a lot of important questions to be asked prior to jumping on board with an idea, especially ideas as impactful as policies or laws regarding environmental justice issues. A lot of times, Grassroots organizations and local groups are the best way to bridge the gap between knowledge and the “what’s next piece.” Volunteering your time and effort is a simple way not only to learn more for yourself, but begin to make a difference where you find is meaningful.

3. Do more research and Ask Questions! 

If you live in Houston or Dallas, hopefully this serves as a great resource to familiarize yourself better with your community and environment. This, however, is not inclusive of everything there is out there. It is always good to do your own research and allow your curiosity to guide you! 

If you don’t live in Houston or Dallas, this information can still help guide you in asking questions about your own environment/home town! What is the racial and sociopolitical histories of your city? What systemic issues do you know about (and how did you learn about them?) What resources are out there for you? A good way to begin answering the last question about any place of interest is by looking for local advocacy groups near you. The Environmental Protection Agency is a large and widespread organization, but finding those groups closer to home (literally) can help you take the first step in getting involved in a meaningful way that may be less overwhelming.